"Served with Sonny in the Rhode Island Army National Guard. A leader there as well. My condolences to his family."
In loving memory of
Conrad Robidoux
November 30, 2018
The passing of Conrad Sonny Robidoux, 71, on November 30, leaves a profound impact on those who met him, thanks to his positive attitude, his infectious laugh, and his desire to help anyone in need. He was the loving husband of high-school sweetheart Janet (Hemond) for 47 years, and the proud father of Stacy (Distefano) and Jodi (Smigelski). He loved spending time with his summer grandchildrenTyler and Sophia, and his winter grandchildrenKendal and Breck.
Sonny was born on December 23, 1946 in Woonsocket, RI to Lucien and Jeanne (Badeau) Robidoux. His brother Roger and sister Kim (Laroche) always had a special bond of love and friendship and knew what it meant to have a good laugh.
At Woonsocket High School, he captained the football, hockey, and baseball teams and was Junior and Senior President of the Class of 1965. He received the Theresa Pereira Award, for leadership, school pride, and generosity. The award was named after Theresa Pereira, former WHS student, who drowned while saving another students life. In one way or another, Sonny continued to exemplify this accolade throughout his life.
On August 8, 1970 Sonny became a Woonsocket firefighter. His career spanned 25 years, during which, he was one of the citys first EMTs, worked as Assistant Fire Marshall, and retired as a Lieutenant on the force, where he earned several commendations andmade lifelong friendships. He wasthe owner ofPara-Med Ambulance Service and eventually Blacklab Railings. In addition to Sonnys professional endeavors,he was a long-standing member of the Kiwanis Club,serving as President and Treasurer of the organization.He was also a member oftheboard of theParks and Recreation Committee for the town of North Smithfield.
Sonny enjoyed his leisure time with softball, tennis, golf, and skiing. He loved to escape the New England winters by heading to Orlando to be with his daughter and son-in-law Mark. In warmer weather, you would find Sonny at his Narragansett home, hanging out with family, especially his son-in-law Brian, in the man-cave (his outdoor kitchen). There he would cook his famous stuffies and clam chowder, shuck clams, and enjoy life with loved ones.
Sonny also leaves several nieces and nephews along with great nieces and great nephews who shared many special moments with Uncle Sonny. His brothers-in-law, Mike, Den, and Don, and sisters-in-laws Diane, Sarah, and Sue also had a special place in his heart.
Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 12:30 on Saturday December 29, 2018 at Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI followed by a Celebration of Life at the Village Haven Restaurant, 90 School St. Forestdale RI. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the COPD Foundation at their website: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Donate/Donate-Now.aspx
Tributes
"Saddened to hear of Sonnys passing remember the good times at Kiwanis my deepest sympathy To you Janet and your daughters.RIP"
"DEAR JANET, SORRY TO READ ABOUT SONNYs PASSING. WE THINK OF YOU IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME."
"Dear Janet and family,So sorry for your loss!"
"Janet, my heartfelt condolences go out to you, the girls, Roger and Kim and the whole family! Just know that the sympathy of those who care goes out to all of you in loving thoughts and prayers. Sonny was certainly one in a million."
"Janet,Sonny always gave 100% of himself, no matter what the situation entailed. Always remember his ""can do"" attitude when we were in National Guard in Woonsocket, at the old Armory on South Main. Such a great guy. Deepest sympathy.Dick Potenza, Slatersville."
"As a Woonsocket Police Officer I responded to many calls with Sonny during his tenure on the Rescue. Sonny was the best..Sonny, rest in peace old friend....Oscar SevignyWoonsocket PD Retired"
"Sorry to hear of Sonny's passing, he was always a wealth of information and set the example when working with other communitties. He is onein amillion,may his family be blessed as he looks down on us all."
"So sad to hear of Sonnys passing. My thoughts are with you and your lovely family. He was such a good guy."
"Dear Janet,Sonny was always special to me, so sad to hear that he has passed away. You and the girls are in my prayers."
"Dear Janet, Stacy and Jodi,Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sonny had such a huge impact on all who knew & loved him. May God hold you in the palm of his hands at this difficult time."
"Janet, so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. He had so many beautiful trubutes, he was certainly well loved. Paula (Palazzini) Tutalo class of 64.Also very sorry about the loss of your Mother."
"Janet,Stacey,Jodi and Family, what fond memories we have of Sonny and youth soccer,tennis and the Hemond men's softball team.We were forever joined by our teeth rattling collision with me at first and Sonny catching. We had a memorable ride to the emergency room in the back of an ambulance.Rememberances of wonderful days past. My condolences to all of you.RIP my friend.Tony & Goody DeMichele"
"Sonny was a great friend and neighbor of our for many years. We have a lot of great memories with him, Janet, Stacy and Jody. He will be sorely missed by all!Love and sympathies to his family!"
"My sincere condolences to the Robidoux family. Elaine Akerman NC formerly f Woonsocket class of '66"
"MAY GOD BLESS YOU SONNY. I'M VERY SORRY FOR YOU LOSS, JANET. DAVID LABRIE."
"Janet & Family,Leon & I are so sorry to hear that Sonny passed away. We pray that all the good memories of your lives together will bring peace to all of you."
"Rest in Peace Sonny, you were a good friend."
"Dear Janet, Stacey, Jodi, and Family:During this difficult time, I repeat words that I found to be comforting...May your memories of Sonny bring a smile to your lips before a tear comes to your eye... Sonny brought many smiles to the faces of all the people he knew. May your memories bring you comfort in knowing he touched so many and he fought a gallant fight. With love and prayers to all."
"Have you ever met a teenager who didn't complain about her parents? Me neither. Except for Stacey and Jody. That's probably because you always managed to provide the perfect combination of care, discipline, support, and fun. Now that I'm a father myself of two girls, I appreciate you all the more.Thank you for teaching me the card game Pitch, thank you for the days at your beach house in Narragansett, thank you for your refusal to be anything but positive. Sonny = Sunny.Oh yeah, and thank you for giving me the first beer I ever drank.You are the man, Sonny. Rest in peace, brother."
"Without a doubt the most assertive and knowledgable Fire Lieutenant that I have ever had the privelege of working along side. Although we were competitors in the private ambulance business, we helped and supported each other's companies. He was my Fire and Rescue Lieutenant and mentor on both Rescue Co.1 as well as Engine Co. 2 at Woonsocket Station 2, and took me under his wing with his infamous mantra, ""come on kid""! I will never forget and forever be grateful to this outstanding man for what he has accomplished and enlightening me throughout my tenure on the Woonsocker Fire Department. Rest well Brother!"
"Janet, Stacey, Jodi and family,Our deepest condolences to all of you. Saddened to hear of Sonny's passing. He was such a great guy. RIP Sonny."
"Sonny,You were far more than my mentor, you were my hero. It was a privilege to work beside you and I would have followed you anywhere! Iwill be forever grateful for your guidance and life lessons but most importantly, for your friendship. Rest in peace, my brother."
"One of Woonsockets best"
"Janet and Family: May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. God Bless You and Yours and give you strength as you grieve the loss of such a giving, loving, wonderful person."
"My Condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss. Alan Rainville Colorado"
"A great teammate and friend may he Rest In Peace and be remembered by all who shared life with him"
"Dear Janet, I was saddened to read of Sonny's passing. May God give you peace and strength at this time. You are in my prayers. A fellow classmate at WHS,,,,"
"RIP SONNY"
"I'll never forget his laugh, and I still cook ""Sonny fish"" and think of him each time. My heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Our world is richer for having had such a special person as him in it."